Max David Fitzgerald

Max David Fitzgerald, 86, of West Lafayette, went to his heavenly home surrounded by his family, as the sun rose on the morning of September 17, 2025. Max passed peacefully after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease and other health complications.

Max was born in Lafayette, Indiana on November 26, 1938. He was the son of the late Stephania (Altepeter) and John Fitzgerald of Stockwell, Indiana. He graduated from Lauramie High School in 1957, where he participated in basketball, baseball, and track. Max also served 2 years as Vice President of F.F.A. at Lauramie High. He was a 10-year member in 4-H, showing Hampshire and Poland China pigs.

4-H and its lessons were something that Max strongly believed in, so he went on to serve as a 4-H leader for 24 years. He proudly served six months on active duty in the Army Reserve. He attended Our Lady of the Lakes Seminary school at Lake Wawasee in Syracuse, Indiana, from 1958 to 1961. He received his Bachelor's degree (1965) and Master's degree (1968) from Purdue University.

A lifelong learner and community servant, Max was active in many organizations. Max was a Junior High science teacher in the Tippecanoe School Corporation from 1966 to 2006, earning recognition for his 41 years of service. As a teacher, Max was known for his discipline, trademark plaid pants and tie. He had an amazing work ethic, which he passed on to his own children. He coached for many years at Southwestern and CYO serving as a basketball and track coach, as well as a track coach at Central Catholic. He also took time to coach his own children in their sports endeavors. He also taught Driver's Education during the summers at McCutcheon and Central Catholic High Schools. Max had a real heart for youth that spanned his years working in education, coaching and with the youth involved in 4-H. He was a member of the Sierra Club, Indiana State Teachers Association, the Indiana Retired Teachers Association, and the Central Catholic Athletic Association Century 21. He enjoyed running, lifting weights, reading, hiking, playing golf, basketball, softball, pickleball, and card games. He was an avid reader and read the Bible daily along with other religious books. He had a unique sense of humor that made anyone around him laugh, and his jokes will always be remembered by family and friends.

Max was deeply devoted to his family. He was the biggest cheerleader for his kids, their teammates, and his grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed watching them participate in their athletics. He was easy to pick out of a crowd, as he was known for his loud and positive voice. Max enjoyed watching Central Catholic and Purdue sports and was a loyal fan rarely missing a chance to cheer them on.

Max met his bride through the local Catholic singles group in 1962. On July 24, 1965, Max married the love of his life, Nancy Budreau, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Fowler, Indiana. They recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. They were known as the “dancing couple” at weddings, and were involved in the church’s CFM and Bible studies together. Max and Nancy are members of Saint Mary’s Cathedral in Lafayette, where he later helped as a daily sacrist. They also enjoyed attending Church of the Blessed Sacrament and the chapel at University Place in West Lafayette.

Surviving along with his wife are his brother, Steven (Charlene) Fitzgerald of Chelsea, Michigan and sister-in-laws Jana Fitzgerald of Bradenton, Florida and Donna Beeler of Lafayette; many nieces and nephews, and his three children; Chris Fitzgerald (Brenda) of Greenville, Denise Rush (Scott) of Logansport, Angela Hands (Justin) of West Lafayette, Indiana; 6 grandchildren (Breah Fitzgerald, Cole Rush, Ty Fitzgerald, Ava Hands, Hope Rush, Jordan Hands). He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Theresa Marie, and seven brothers and 5 sister-in-laws, Vincent (Phyllis), Donald (Dottie), Lawrence (Marge), Patrick (Mary Lou), Robert (Shirley), Richard, and Timon Fitzgerald and brother-in-law, Larry Budreau and nephews.

Max will be remembered for his dedication to education, his commitment to youth and community, and the warm pride he brought to his role as Dad and Grandpa.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the wonderful staff at University Place, Witham Health Services, Homecare By Design, and Franciscan Hospice Care Lafayette, who helped care for and love Dad in his final months.

The Rosary will be held at 10:15 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 24th.

Visitation will be in the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Lafayette, Indiana on Wednesday, September 24th from 11 am to 1 pm.

Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow on Wednesday, September 24th at 1 pm with Father Ted Dudzinski celebrating with assistance from Father Bob Klemme. Interment will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery. Funeral Attire: plaid, Purdue or your church comfort clothes.

Those wishing to contribute may do so to the grandchildren’s local sports teams, Lafayette Catholic Schools or St. Mary Catholic Church. Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fitzgerald family. You can offer condolences by signing the guest book and leaving memories and pictures at hahngroeberfuneralhome.com.